On Tuesday, August 19, I am asking the City Council to take the first step in urging the State to update its surplus formula and keep Long Beach oil revenue local. This funding is essential to care for our beaches, marinas, and coastline without shifting the burden to local taxpayers.

In 1964, the State determined it was “economically impractical, unwise, and unnecessary” to spend all of Long Beach’s tidelands oil revenue on our local coastline, labeling the rest surplus for Sacramento. Today, circumstances are very different. The City Auditor projects $300 million in lost oil revenue over the next decade and there is more than $1 billion in unfunded coastal projects.

Currently, the State takes 42.5% of oil revenue as surplus, while the City receives just 8.5% to maintain its coastal obligations. Since 2004, nearly $6 billion has gone to the State as surplus to the needs of Long Beach’s coast.

With oil revenue now in decline, local tax dollars are now covering a portion of the cost of maintaining the same waters expected to generate $271 million for the State’s General Fund by 2035, which is about half of the State’s share.

It is time to update this outdated arrangement so that more of the revenue generated in Long Beach is reinvested here.

Join us on August 19 to say: Keep Long Beach Oil Revenue Local. Local Impact. Local Benefit.

I was honored to participate in the 2025 Heroes Regatta hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club. This event honors Long Beach's First Responders including Fire, Police, Lifeguards, Coast Guards, Military, and Nurses. I crewed with the US Coast Guards in three races - what a great experience!

First place went to the Long Beach Police Department and Search and Rescue! It was a great day filled with camaraderie and a celebration of our dedicated Long Beach first responders and their families. Photo credit to Howard Freshman (top photo).

This week, I joined the Economic Development Department to celebrate GWS International Inc., a District 3 business, for completing the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program.

Friends of Belmont Shore (FoBS) hosted another incredible concert featuring Jumping Jack Flash! Huge thank you to BJ and team for all their work.

The City of Long Beach invites you to share your feedback on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget at one of the in-person community meetings happening this month.

If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can also submit your comments online using the Digital Comment Card.

The world’s largest and longest-running beach water polo event returned to Alamitos Bay for its 18th year. Over two days, players and spectators enjoyed exciting matches, delicious food, music, and water polo in the Ocean!

Greenbelt Heights Neighborhood Association came together last Saturday for a screening of Shrek under the stars. What a great community gathering!

The Long Beach Kite Festival is happening tomorrow, August 17, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Granada Beach! This is a free, family-friendly event with live music, kite giveaways for children and adults, and hands-on learning. Don’t miss it!

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine is hosting a free End-of-Summer Concert at Marine Stadium on Friday, August 29, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Make sure you save the date, I will see you all there!

This fall, Algalita Marine Research and Education is launching SeaKeeper Academy in partnership with the Long Beach Sea Base. This is a free, 10-week after-school program in partnership with Long Beach Sea Base. The program blends maritime skills, marine science, and hands-on stewardship activities every week - designed for middle schoolers ready to dive into ocean exploration and environmental action! From kayaking and navigation to studying local marine life, SeaKeeper Academy empowers youth to become scientists, sailors, and stewards of our waters and local environment. 

Spots are limited to 25 students and application deadline is on Sept 1, 2025. Learn more and apply here: seakeeperacademy.org.

Long Beach Sea Base Director Jeb Price joined our Aquatic Stakeholder Meeting and shared an overview of the many activities the Sea Base offers our community. From hosting group meetings to renting kayaks for a paddle on the bay, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you, Jeb, for highlighting all the ways the Sea Base brings fun, learning, and connection to Long Beach!

Throughout August, Long Beach Animal Care Services is offering reduced adoption fees: $25 for dogs over 25 pounds and $9 for kittens.

Visit our shelter and give a pet in need their forever home!

Long Beach CERT is preparing to host READY Long Beach 2025 this October. Find out how you can be part of this exciting emergency preparedness expo by clicking the link below.

A collapsed pipe caused a sinkhole on Ocean Boulevard in the Peninsula neighborhood. The City’s Engineering team assessed the issue, and our crews got to work digging up the affected area to make repairs. They finished this week!